Breakthrough in Ergonomics for Laboratory and Clinical ...

FINALBreakthrough in Ergonomics for Laboratory and Clinical MicroscopesA decade of research succeeds in reducing workplace risksBy Dr. Thomas Bocher, Business Unit Director, BioSciences Division, Educational and Routine Microscopy, CarlZeiss MicroImaging GmbHDaily microscope users can be easily fatigued by awkward sitting positions and complicatedcontrols. This affects many users in microbiology, cytology, hematology, and pathology labs. Inrecent years, researchers have conducted studies to examine microscope ergonomic issues forusers with various body heights. This research is critical as data from occupational and medicalliterature clearly indicate that occupational-based injuries at the workplace are common wheremicroscopes are used extensively. Muscular-skeletal conditions, including shoulder, neck, andback aches, are the most prevalent injuries, with more than 77 percent of users experiencingthese issues. [1]Ergonomic study on table microscopesSome of the leading microscope manufacturers have been investigating these problems. CarlZeiss MicroImaging began its most recent series of ergonomic studies in 2002 with Henssler andSchultheiss Product Design, a globally renowned engineering, research, consulting, andcorporate design firm. [2] The study was based on current ergonomic key data and empiricalexamination results, which were reviewed on a group of 15 participants. The study examinedtypical work situations and evaluated them on the basis of relevant ergonomic key data. TheErgonomics_microscope_article_FINALPage 1 of 6

FINALFigure 2 - Ergonomically awkward adaptation of the body postureFurther scientific study enhances findingsCarl Zeiss MicroImaging continued its research by conducting a more extensive study in 2004,in collaboration with its scientific partner the Institute for Occupational Medicine, CharitéHospital Berlin. [1] This included field studies at 20 clinical microscope workplaces in scientificand diagnostic departments (anatomy, pathology, neuropathology, and hematology) in fiveinstitutes at Berlin university hospitals. The study was used to compare the ergonomics ofregularly used standard microscopes from such makers as Carl Zeiss, Olympus, Leica, and Nikonwith those of a modified microscope designed to be more ergonomically correct, the AxioImager with Ergotube 50-15-50 from Carl Zeiss.This model permitted height adjustments (from 0-50 mm), had a fixed 15° viewing angle, and anadjustable extension (from 0-50 mm). Twenty individuals participated in the study, which beganwith the administration of a questionnaire eliciting information on the study participant’soccupation, workplace conditions, and occupational-based injuries of the muscular-skeletalsystem and eyes. Researchers then conducted a comparison and evaluation of microscopegeometries of 20 regularly used microscopes with the modified microscope. Informationcollected included microscope geometries, adjustment of microscopes and workplaces accordingto individual needs, individual anthropometric data, evaluation of microscope ergonomics, andindividual posture in front of the microscope used in a lateral view.Ergonomics_microscope_article_FINALPage 3 of 6

FINALThe study found that the majority of participants were able to adjust the new microscope andtube to achieve the correct ergonomic posture of the head, neck, and shoulders. The eyepieceextension’s horizontal distance between microscope pupil and drives was shown to optimizemanipulation depth. The 15° viewing angle was within the optimum range, but lacked the abilityto make individual adjustments. Adjustments between 8-30° would allow a more dynamicworking posture. Figure 3 shows the improved ergonomics of the modified microscope over thestandard.Figure 3 – Comparison of regularly used with modified microscopeBackground:Existing (old) microscope & tubeForeground: Axio Imager with Ergotube 50-15-50Project to design the most ergonomic microscope with TUV-approved ergonomicsIn 2007, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging started a project in conjunction with TUV Rheinland, a worldrenownedindependent organization that certifies product safety and ergonomics. The InstituteErgonomics_microscope_article_FINALPage 4 of 6